Unlimited Peeks

By K. T. Bradford | Jan 16, 2009 02:56 PM EDT

When we reviewed the Peek email-only device, we wondered if it would catch on with users — after all, it would be yet another device to carry around and only has one limited (albeit important) function. A little while ago, Peek added the ability to trade text messages, which brings the tally of things it can do up to: 2. Though many tech-inclined people are apt to be snarky about the device, some fail to take into account that the Peek might be exactly what some users want or need. The niche for such a device isn’t that small when you consider it would be perfect for people who want to read and send email but don’t have or don’t want a computer, or mobile users who aren’t mobile professionals, teens and young people who want to remain connected but don’t need an actual phone, or folks with not a lot of money to spend — $100 is at least $100 less than the cheapest netbook we’ve seen so far (if you don’t count the subsidized Aspire One), and the data plan isn’t very expensive. Now Peek is dipping its toes in new waters: unlimited service for life at one low cost. Today only (for now) you can get the Peek and the service for $300 flat. No other fees, ever. Doug at CrunchGear is predicting that this is Peek’s way of gauging interest in offering this combo all the time. I think it would be more effective and generate more buzz if they only offered the unlimited deal occasionally, so you’d have to keep looking out for it, all the while wanting it. But I’m cruel that way. If this deal peeks your interest (see what I did there?), head over to GetPeek.com to snag a lifetime of unlimited portable text and email.